October Unpacked
Wow, what a month it’s been… After a whirlwind few weeks of running, travelling, and meeting amazing people, I finally made it back home to Oz!
Looking back on the past month, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences I’ve had and the people who’ve shaped my journey. And I’m looking forward to what’s ahead – there’s so much more to do for our planet, and I can’t wait to embark on the next chapter with all of you (stay tuned for some big Run Blue plans on the horizon too).
Let's take a moment to catch up – I've got some key learnings from October that I’d love to share with you.
October’s Top reads and takeaways
October was jam-packed with some major environmental publications. I know, I know – reports don’t always sound exciting, but these really do matter! They not only paint a picture of where we stand with our water and climate challenges but, most importantly, give us the roadmaps to fix them.
Here’s a breakdown of three reports that stuck with me:
World Meteorological Organization’s State of Global Water Resources Report:
This one hit hard. From devastating floods to the lowest water levels we’ve seen in decades, there’s no denying that our water systems are in serious trouble. And 2023? It was the driest year for rivers in over 30 years. The impact on ecosystems, economies, and societies is staggering.
But there’s a silver lining: we can turn this around by protecting and restoring our freshwater ecosystems. Healthy rivers and lakes not only give us water, but they’re also our best defence against climate change.
Global Commission on the Economics of Water Report:
This report reminded us that if we don’t solve our water problems, we won’t solve climate change. Water is life, but right now, over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and we’re projected to face a 40% shortfall in freshwater by the end of the decade
But we can change this: it all comes down to shifting how we value, manage and share our precious water resources. Through collective action and innovative solutions, we can ensure clean water for everyone and create a resilient future for generations to come.WWF and Zoological Society of London’s Living Planet Report:
WWF and ZSL found that 85% of freshwater species have disappeared since 1970. The culprit? Pollution, damming, and habitat destruction.
But here’s the good news: restoring our rivers is one of the most powerful ways to tackle this decline and address many of the greatest challenges of our era. Just like the WMO report emphasised the need for investment in freshwater ecosystems, this one shows that restoring our rivers can bring back biodiversity, improve water quality AND enhance climate resilience.
World Animal Day: Protecting nature, Preserving life
October has also been a month of celebration – and no, I’m not just talking about my birthday! 4 October was World Animal Day, the perfect time to celebrate the animals we love and the habitats they call home.
By now you’ve probably met Moo Deng, the adorable baby pygmy hippo who’s been capturing our hearts and filling our social media feeds lately. Besides being super cute, she reminds us of an urgent reality; there are less than 2,500 pygmy hippos left in the wild. Their forests in West Africa are disappearing fast because of logging, mining and farming, threatening not just pygmy hippos but many other animals who live in there.
World Animal Day reminded us that we need to protect our natural ecosystems— not just for pygmy hippos but for all the precious species that depend on them. Let’s keep their homes safe and ensure that our wildlife thrives.
Who Inspired Me This Month
The Rocky Mountain Rowing Club (RMRC)! These amazing rowers are leading the charge for water stewardship in Colorado. They’ve raised awareness about healthy watersheds and taken action, rowing 5,400 km (that’s SEVEN lengths of the Seine River) to support our #SeineRiverRun campaign.
And they’re not stopping there! They’re gearing up to row the length of the Colorado River Basin to spotlight water challenges in the Western US. This river is crucial – it supports 16 million jobs, irrigates millions of acres, and provides drinking water to 40 million people.
The RMRC is proof that when communities come together, we can make real change. I’m so proud of them and can’t wait for our future collaborations.
Read more about Run Blue’s partnership with RMRC
Photo of the Month
Running Marathon 5 of 200 in Australia’s iconic Painted Desert (c) Kamil Sustiak. In breaking news, CSIRO’s latest climate report was released today and reveals that Australia’s climate has warmed by 1.5 degrees since 1910, with dramatic consequences for our weather.
That’s it from me! Until next time, let’s keep moving forward together, spreading awareness and hope, one step at a time. We’re doing something truly incredible here, and I’m so honored to be on this journey with you.
Love,
Mina
